Foundations: New Testament - MarkSample

Mark 8 ends on a somber note, with Jesus rebuking Peter and describing the cost of following Him. Because of the great level of sacrifice required, it’s important that we understand who Jesus is, and that was the point of His transfiguration in chapter 9. On a high mountain Jesus was transformed before Peter, James, and John. Elijah and Moses joined Him. Jesus used this event to further inform the disciples about His coming death and victorious resurrection. 

As soon as they came down from the mountain, the disciples were reminded of the importance of faith in God as the foundation for ministry. A desperate father asked the disciples to cast a demon out of his deaf, mute son. They tried and failed. When Jesus discovered their inability to cast out the demon, He attributed it to a lack of faith on their part. In contrast, the father displayed faith by trusting Jesus to heal the boy. No matter what Jesus calls you to do and what sacrifice is required as His disciple, it’s vitally important to put your faith and trust in Him as you carry out that call.